Archdiocese of Lomé gets new Archbishop as Pope Leo XIV appoints Bishop Gaglo

The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has appointed Msgr. Isaac Jogues Kodjo Agbéménya Gaglo, as the new Metropolitan Archbishop of Lomé, ushering in a new phase of leadership for the Catholic Church in Togo.

The appointment, announced by the Holy See, confirms Archbishop-elect Gaglo, who has served as Apostolic Administrator of the archdiocese since 2024, as the substantive head of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Lomé.

He succeeds Archbishop Nicodème Anani Barrigah-Benissan, who led the archdiocese from 2019 until his death in August 2024. Following his passing, the see became vacant, with Bishop Gaglo entrusted with overseeing the archdiocese during the sede vacante period.

Born on October 7, 1958, in Kpémé in the Diocese of Aného, Archbishop Gaglo was ordained a priest on August 9, 1985. His priestly ministry has spanned pastoral, academic, and administrative roles. He served as Deputy Pastor in Lomé and later as a professor at the St. Pius X Minor Seminary, contributing to the formation of future priests.

He pursued advanced studies in Austria, earning a doctorate in Moral Theology from Innsbruck in 1997. Upon his return, he took on pastoral responsibilities, including parish leadership and oversight of family pastoral care from 1998 to 2005. He also served as a diocesan consultor and later as Diocesan Administrator of Aného.

In December 2007, he was appointed Bishop of Aného and received episcopal consecration in February 2008. His leadership in that diocese, coupled with his recent role as Apostolic Administrator of Lomé, positioned him as a key figure in ensuring continuity and stability within the local Church.

As Metropolitan Archbishop, he now assumes responsibility for guiding the Church in Lomé, which serves as the ecclesiastical hub of Catholic life in Togo, with several dioceses under its jurisdiction. His appointment comes at a time when the Church continues to play an active role in promoting social cohesion, moral formation, and national development.

With decades of pastoral experience and theological formation, Archbishop Gaglo is expected to build on the legacy of his predecessor while addressing the evolving needs of the faithful in Togo.

His appointment marks a significant moment for the Church in the country, as Catholics in Lomé and beyond look to his leadership for continuity, renewal, and deeper engagement with both Church and society.